Les Underwood

December 5, 2013

Les was born on July 20, 1954, in Lapeer, son of the late Laverne and Mable (Gibbs) Underwood. He was a graduate of Alanson High School in 1973. Les married Jana VanHoven on July 2, 1977, in Brutus, they have lived in this area since 1981.

He loved to work and began working early in his life, learning to operate heavy equipment for his father's excavating company. Les owned and operated Underwood Excavating in this area for many years. He spent part of the last year working as an operator in North Dakota for Mikkelsen Bros. Construction.

Article Photos

Les Underwood

Les loved to play pool and over the years has been active in several local pool leagues. He enjoyed hunting and fishing, especially salmon fishing on his boat in Lake Michigan. He was a loyal fan of the Detroit Lions and Tigers.

More than anything, Les loved to spend time with his family. He was incredibly proud of his three children and he did everything he could to support them. His wife Jana was the love of his life, and together they shared in countless memories.

Les is survived by his wife, Jana; children, Adam Underwood of Redondo Beach, Calif., Haley Underwood of Chicago, and Zak Underwood of Walled Lake. He also is survived by his brothers- and sisters-in-law, Jay and Nancy VanHoven, Jill and Sanford Washburn, and Jane and Bill Butsic; along with several nieces and nephews.

In addition to his parents, Les was preceded in death by his mother- and father-in-law, Mary and Leonard VanHoven.

The visitation is scheduled for Friday from 10:30 a.m. to noon at Trinity United Methodist Church in Iron Mountain. Memorial service will follow at noon at the church. Rev. Paul Mallory will officiate.